By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-05 18:37:06 | Updated at 2024-12-22 16:35:08
2 weeks ago
Former MLB player and analyst Bill Melton has tragically died at the age of 79.
'Beltin Bill' played 10 seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Chicago White Sox, before working as an analyst for more than 20 years.
Melton also worked with the White Sox as a team ambassador and part-time scout during the early 1990s, including a stint as a hitting instructor for Michael Jordan in 1993.
He passed away on Thursday in Phoenix after a brief illness.
'Bill Melton enjoyed two tremendous careers with the White Sox,' White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement.
'His first came as a celebrated home run king for White Sox teams in the early 1970s, where "Beltin Bill" brought power to a franchise that played its home games in a pitcher-friendly ballpark.
'Bill's second career came as a well-liked and respected pre- and postgame television analyst, where on a nightly basis Sox fans saw his passion for the team, win or lose.'
According to the Chicago Sun Times, Melton is survived by his wife Tess, his son Billy, his daughter Jennifer and his grandson.
'Beltin' Bill' led the American League with 33 home runs in 1971 and held the club's career record until 1987 with his 154 homers from 1968-75.
After one season each with the then-California Angels and then-Cleveland Indians, Melton retired with a .253 batting average, 160 home runs and 591 RBIs in 1,144 games.
Melton became a White Sox television analyst with WGN in 1998. He joined Comcast SportsNet Chicago in 2005 in a similar role and continued broadcasting until his retirement in 2020.
'Bill was a friend to many at the White Sox and around baseball, and his booming voice will be missed. Our sympathies go out to his wife Tess, and all of their family and friends,' Reinsdorf added.
Melton, a third baseman, was the first player to hit 30 homers in a season in 1970 and recorded 33-homer seasons in 1970-71. He was the first Sox player to lead the AL in homers in 1971, when he was an AL All-Star.
Melton debuted with the Sox in May, 1968. He batted .253/.337/.419 with160 home runs over 10 seasons with the Sox (1968-75), Angels (1976) and Indians (1977).
“Photos of Bill wearing his home run crown and others of him posing with ballpark organist Nancy Faust still generate smiles to this day,” Reinsdorf said. “Bill’s second career came as a well-liked and respected pre and postgame television analyst, where on a nightly basis Sox fans saw his passion for the team, win or lose. Bill was a friend to many at the White Sox and around baseball, and his booming voice will be missed. Our sympathies go out to his wife Tess, and all of their family and friends.”
Melton remained popular and beloved beyond his playing days.
“Very sad,” former Channel 5 broadcaster Mark Giangreco posted on social media. “What a character. Loved hanging out with that bigger than life, old school baseball star and his no nonsense TV analysis.”
Melton is survived by his wife, Tess, son, Billy, daughter, Jennifer, a grandson and many extended family members.
